Half term saw our Robin Hood Garden full of incredible activities run by the London Wildlfie Trust. Yurt building, fire making, knife craft to make wooden frames and bat boxes, bead making from natural objects and a bug hotel to name a few. See below for the array of fine things we did with tons of kids from the local schools and surrounding community.

We built this Yurt

The London Wildlife Trust activities at Half Term was a hit!
We had already got some informal activities going along these lines – bushcraft, habitat building, weaving, garden development, and all ages are enjoying the garden well into autumn this year, but the Wild Life Trust added something special to the garden – confidence and appreciation.

Comments from their skilled and experienced staff turned kids into stag beetle hoteliers and picture framers and sculptors. As well as the activities they had admiration and support for the work we have already done (‘the best community garden they’ve worked in’), and advice for the future with regard to management of the forest sensory garden, wildflower meadows, paths and concrete area.

From the outset David set the tone with his expert confidence and flexible implementation plans.
His excellent staff Adrian, Alexandra, Francesco, Gareth, Georgia… Too many to name, were complimented by wonderful volunteers with bags of energy and enthusiasm. Tasks completed by these people were entirely child-led, from the highest bird box to the lowest bee hole, and the transformation in the garden is entirely due to that ownership and investment made by the children. They simply did not want to leave the garden, and would return over and of after they had gone home!

Enrique is a Bushman of wonder. His disciplined approach meant that everyone felt confidence in making the bonfire, or handling the knife work. Cooking was again something the garden could be proud of, and temporary shelters popped up out of nowhere. We could definitely benefit from seeing more of these folk on a regular basis. Pag.

“It was amazing see the fire come to life” Josef

“Yum slurp soup” Kit

“I thought the London Wildlife were FAB and have done great things in the garden and really opened it up to new people over half-term. Well done for getting it all organised. I think it would definitely be a great idea to have them back again. Money well spent” Christine.

Enrique showing the bushkids how to safely start a fire with no matches . . .